Introduzione

Autori: Rosario Mangiameli, Salvatore Lupo
In: Meridiana. 82, 2015
doi:10.1400/230983
PDF Open Access  
Download Download Download
Abstract

Introduction
1943 is a crucial year for the history of Italy. After the Allied landing in Sicily in summer, the Country collapsed. The consequent creation of two governments in the Southern and Northern Italy, respectively connected with Allied occupation troops and Nazi-Fascist regime, did not resolve the deep crisis; not even heal the rift between institutions and civil society opened by war. Especially in the «Southern Kingdom», controlled by Anglo-American troops, antifascist Cln forces were obliged to make their way between the monarchist Badoglio government, compromised with fascism but endorsed by Allies and their administration. Furthermore, in that Italy «freed before Liberation», the presence of Allies heavily weighs on institutional, political and social dynamics. In this context, we can discuss the causes of Italian people welcome to Allied enemy troops. However, we cannot be referred to political categories. We can rather find the answer in the prevalent filling of fear between people, later become relief for salvation; then, widespread hope of a better future. We can even refer to the listing due to the war front overturning. In addition, we have to consider that in the following decades the narrative of the lost battle fuelled the treason or conspiracy argument. Starting from Sicily, this issue of «Meridiana» deals with all these themes in their different outcomes.
Keywords: 1943, Allied occupation, Italian war front, State collapse